NORFOLK The Great Country Houses
4 days | £1795 per person | 18 - 21 May 2026
The Great Country Houses
Our tour will focus on some of Norfolk’s most splendid country houses. Holkham Hall and Houghton Hall are two of Britain’s finest Early Georgian Palladian country houses, both still owned by descendants of their builders, the Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole at Houghton, and Thomas Coke, Earl of Leicester at Holkham. Both houses survive as a remarkable time capsule, with outstanding interiors, decorated by some of the finest craftsmen of the day. Holkham was conceived as a temple of the arts to house Coke’s splendid collection of paintings and works of art, acquired on his Grand Tour. At Houghton, Sir Robert Walpole. Britain’s first Prime Minister, sought to create a house that would reflect his power and status, and provide an appropriate setting for political entertaining on a grand scale. At both houses, William Kent, the great Early Georgian interior decorator and designer, was involved, and the superb interiors were lavishly decorated by some of the finest craftsmen of the time Wolterton Hall was built by Horatio, Robert Wapole’s brother and has recently been splendidly restored. Horatio also acquired beautiful mediaeval Mannington Hall, which remains a home of the Walpole family. Felbrigg Hall is a delightful Jacobean house, that was partially remodelled in the 1750s and has some of the finest Rococo interiors in the country. Clifton House, set in historic King’s Lynn is one of Britain’s most interesting merchant’s town houses, and has important Georgian interiors. Most visits will be private.
Barbara will also be holding a Lecture Day at the Art Workers' Guild in Queen Square, London on Thursday 17 July as a pre-cursor to this tour entitled 'The Georgian Country House: Architecture, interior decoration and furnishing'. Please call to book, or register your interest.
Day to day Itinerary
Day 1
Coach pick up from the Hoste Hotel in Burnham Market followed by a pick up at King’s Lynn station. Private visit to Clifton House, set in the historic heart of King’s Lynn. Clifton House is considered one of the finest surviving Elizabethan merchant’s town houses in England and reflects every period from mediaeval to Georgian It was partially remodelled in the early 18th-century by the Lynn architect, Henry Bell. In the early evening an introductory talk will be given by Barbara followed by a group meal.
Day 2
We will enjoy a full day at Holkham Hall, where the outstanding collection of works of art has earned it a place among the ten Treasure Houses of England. In 1714 young Thomas Coke went on a six-year Grand Tour where he amassed Old Masters paintings, classical sculptures, rare books and manuscripts and on his return began to build a new house at Holkham where he could display his collection. In a privileged private visit we shall not only have an in-depth guided visit of Holkham’s great state rooms house but we shall also have the opportunity to look at aspects of Coke’s collection in some detail, including silver and sculpture, as well as a handling session in the library with the Holkham Archivist, to look at Thomas Coke’s books and manuscripts documenting the Grand Tour. In the early evening we shall enjoy a wine reception in Holkham’s spectacularly theatrical Marble Hall. Coach return to Burnham Market for an evening at leisure.
Day 3
We start the day at Mannington, a charming moated late mediaeval house, which in 1736 became the home of Horatio Walpole, Sir Robert’s brother. We then visit Felbrigg Hall which was built in 1621-4 as a Jacobean house, but in 1751-2 the interior was transformed by young William Winde II after his return from his Grand Tour. Here he introduces the new lighter decorative Rococo style derived from France, where decorative motifs from the world of nature replace ornaments derived from the classical world. William redecorated the interiors to display his Grand Tour collection of paintings, most of which still hang in their original carefully chosen positions. Felbrigg’s interiors, with their French Rococo, Gothick and Chinoiserie rooms, survive as one of the best examples in Britain of this period. After an independent lunch in the Squire’s Pantry, we continue to Wolterton Hall, built by Horatio Walpole and described by Horace Walpole as ‘one of the best houses of the size in England’. Recently superbly restored, Wolterton is a dignified classical Palladian house, with fine quality plasterwork and a magnificent staircase. Return to Burnham Market for a group meal.
Day 4
Spend the morning exploring Houghton Hall in a private visit. Here the sumptuous Early Georgian interiors designed by William Kent survive virtually unchanged. These include the Stone Hall, painted Great Staircase, Marble Parlour, and red velvet Saloon. After an independent lunch in the Stables Café, there is time to explore the beautiful walled garden before returning to King’s Lynn station. (For those driving, it would be best to drive to Houghton in the morning).
The Hoste Arms
Set on The Green in the pretty town of Burnham Market, The Hoste Arms offers a comfortable and hospitable stay. A pub, restaurant, hotel & spa steeped in history and brimming with passion for its surroundings. Each room is individually crafted spread throughout the historic building. Facilities include Flat screen TV, Mini Bar, Tea and coffee making facilities, Robes and slippers, Hair dryer.
Price: £1795 per person
Single Supp: £195
Deposit: £350
Departure Dates:
18 - 21 May 2026
Duration:
3 nights / 4 days
Your Holiday Includes:
- Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hoste Arms, in Burnham Market
- Private coach transfers and excursions
- Two evening meals and one lunch
- Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
- Services of the tour lecturer and a tour manager
- Detailed programme and study notes
- All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff
Tour Lecturers
Barbara Peacock
Barbara Peacock is Director of Wessex Fine Art and Architecture Tours and leads many successful tours in Britain and abroad. She is also a Tour Leader for Art Pursuits and a free-lance lecturer, lecturing tor The Arts Society, the Art Fund and the National Trust. She was previously a lecturer in Fine Art in the Department of Extra-Mural Studies at the University of Southampton and Assistant Curator in the Fine Art Department of Birmingham City Art Gallery.
Travel Information
The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.
Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.
Stamina
Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven ground. Please contact us if you would like more information.
